2016 has been amazing. Amazing, I tell you.I have been so honored to visit your homes and spend hours with your families! I love the changing over of the new year, so, so much. It's so bittersweet as I begin working on my family yearbook, thinking about the amazing moments and maybe some not so amazing ones, as well.
All of it ... beautiful. You see, 18 months ago I heard the term "your everyday is beautiful" from a photographer whom I absolutely adore for so many reasons, that being one of them. And it's so true. While in the thick of it, I know it doesn't always feel that way, but I tell you what. Your everyday is beautiful. It is.
A few years ago, I read Ann Voskamp's "One Thousand Gifts" ... such a powerful gift that book was and still is. She uses the term "the ugly beautiful". Because often times, that's exactly what it is. Except we don't *always* see the beautiful part of it... but it's so there.
As I visit home after home, weekend after weekend, month after month, I've come to realize a few things. First: just about every child under the age of 10 picks their nose (and their adults do, as well! I've seen you! haha!) Second: no family is exempt from sibling squabbling. Third: every family has a pile of laundry somewhere, waiting to be done. It might even be in the washer for the 2nd day! And last: your families are amazing. Amazing. Every single one of you. The detail you put into building your home and family (note: I didn't say house, I said home) is so beautiful. The safety and love your child feels enough to be comfortable enough throwing their temper tantrums on a daily (hourly? 3 year olds?) basis. Beautiful. Just one small example.
After every session, I am so inspired. As a mom of 3, I leave every house encouraged to be a better mom to my own children, a better wife to my husband. Let me very honest here ... my family is so freaking far from perfect. We have so many daily struggles. But in that, there is so much beauty. I know that when I visit your families, it's just a tiny, minute snippet of your life together and I don't always get to see the "real" you ... most often the kids (and parents) are on their best behavior, unless I'm there long enough and the curtain falls. Regardless of what I do or don't see, the truth remains what I document for you is still just a tiny fraction of your every day. And I love so much that you treasure your photos. So much!
But I also want to challenge you to document this for yourself. I'm beginning a 365/Family Photojournalism group on Facebook. Yes, another group. But I invite you to come play! Your point and shoot camera, iPhone, or dslr are all welcome! Because I am desperately passionate about documenting life as it happens ... these moments that you simply can't ever get back. They deserve to have a place in your family yearbook, because your everyday truly is beautiful!
Here's the scoop:
Join the Facebook group "Everyday Beautiful"
You do not have to take share a photo every day! Often times you will find *me* sharing my 7 photos from the week all at once, simply because of life.
This group is for everyone ... fancy camera or iPhone (which are pretty fancy these days) are all welcome. However, for safety of our kiddos, I will be sending a questionairre and ask that all members know SOMEONE else in the group that can vouch for them being a real, safe person.
I will also be using this as a group for my photography clients/potential clients to share special offers from 3 Arrows Photography + Films! So even if you choose to not to share photos, I encourage you to join in the fun to have first dibs at special offers, freebies, etc!
Please email info@3arrowsphotography.com with any questions!